United Airlines ceo Scott Kirby has released a statement regarding the hot aviation talking point that suggests a UA and American Airlines merger.
He says he approached AA about exploring a merger to do ‘something incredible’ for customers.
“In the past, airline mergers usually have been about two struggling airlines coming together to cut costs, flights and headcount. My aspirations could not be more different.”
Kirby says a merger of this kind could usher a ‘brand new era of leadership by US aviation’ but acknowledged AA’s public refusal of the idea for the foreseeable future.
. . . The Potential
Despite the merger being rejected by AA, the UA ceo outlined how he saw the idea panning out.
Combined, he says the two companies could scale the customer- focused approach, unlock opportunities for both airlines’ customers, employees and communities and create a new US airline with the scale to compete and lead around the globe.
He says the destinations by both airlines could increase, with more routes, especially internationally.
With both UA and AA, he says the number of economy seats in the market could increase. “We wouldn’t propose a combination that would cause prices to rise for customers.”
A globally competitive airline could be created, he says. “The combined scale of United and American would be a better way to compete with foreign carriers.”
He also added this merger could boost the US economy, create millions of jobs and strengthen the US aircraft manufacturing industry.
“While our pursuit of talks with American have ended, our mission to build the greatest airline in the history of aviation at United is well underway.”
